Plans have been revealed as to how Pontypridd 's Hawthorn School site could be completely transformed.
Proposals have been made to create a new 3-16 school on the current site of Hawthorn High and Hawthorn Primary schools, which would deliver new facilities for staff and pupils.
The project includes demolishing some buildings on the current school sites, and replacing them with a brand new, net zero carbon development.
If approved, other existing buildings will be refurbished while a new staff car park, coach car park and pupil drop-off area will be built.
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The new school would welcome current Hawthorn High School, Hawthorn Primary and Heol y Celyn Primary pupils from the English medium stream in 2024.
The development will be delivered by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council in partnership with the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, as part of a wider £60m investment being delivered across Greater Pontypridd.
The council has now started a pre-application consultation process, and residents have until Friday, March 11 to take part and share their views about the plans.
Councillor Jill Bonetto, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for education and inclusion services, said: “The new Hawthorn 3-16 ‘all through’ school is a very exciting project and represents a significant aspect of our wider investment across the Greater Pontypridd area – which also includes multi-million pound projects at Pontypridd High, Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive and a new Welsh Medium Primary School in Rhydyfelin.
“The upcoming consultation will allow the community to find out more about the Hawthorn project – by viewing the draft planning documents which will be submitted in a formal planning application following the consultation.
"All feedback received will be considered by officers and will help shape the plans ahead of this formal submission.
"It is also very exciting to see the proposals brought to life for the first time through an artist’s impression of the school.
“Residents can have their say online, while the council is also organising a public, face-to-face event at Hawthorn High School on Thursday, March 3. This was used in recent consultations for the investment projects in Beddau and Rhydyfelin, and proved to be a worthwhile exercise.
"I’d urge local residents to have their say in the coming weeks, whether online or in person at the event.”
Consultants Asbri Planning Ltd are hosting a dedicated consultation webpage, which is available to access here.
Residents can view detailed planning documents for the project – including drawings, reports and accompanying documents.
You can have your say by emailing mail@asbriplanning.co.uk, or by completing a downloadable form from the consultation webpage and sending it to the postal address provided.
As part of the consultation, the council will also host a face-to-face event where the project plans will be displayed, and officers will be on hand to answer any questions from residents.
This will take place after school on Thursday, March 3 , at Hawthorn High School, and more details on this event will follow soon.
Feedback received in the consultation will help inform the council’s planning submission for consideration by the planning and development committee. Subject to consent, the construction phase could begin on site this summer.
The Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme across greater Pontypridd is just one aspect of the council’s current school investment – with new facilities and increased pupil capacity currently being delivered at YGG Aberdâr and Ysgol Rhydywaun.
Mutual Investment Model (MIM) projects are also being progressed to deliver new community school buildings for Llanilltud Faerdfref Primary, Pontyclun Primary and Penygawsi Primary.
In addition – first announced in October 2021 – the council is progressing further Band B projects using an additional £85m investment from the Welsh Government taking the overall total to £252m.
The proposals will deliver investment projects for Ysgol Llanhari, Ysgol Cwm Rhondda, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn, Penrhys Primary, Maesybryn Primary and Tonysguboriau Primary, along with a new English Medium primary school for the community of Glyncoch and a new special school for the county borough.
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